Plasma display panel

ABSTRACT

A plasma display panel comprises a front substrate and a rear substrate, a plurality of row electrode pairs provided on the inner surface of the front substrate, a dielectric layer provided on the inner surface of the front substrate for coverring the row electrode pairs, a plurality of column electrodes provided on the inner surface of the rear substrate, a partition wall assembly provided between the front substrate and the rear substrate, said partition wall assembly including a plurality of longitudinal partition walls and a plurality of lateral partition walls, forming a plurality of discharge cells. In particular, the dielectric layer has a plurality of projection portions located corresponding to and protruding toward the lateral partition walls of the partition wall assembly, in a manner such that there would be no slots formed between the dielectric layer and the lateral partition walls.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a surface discharge typeAC-driven plasma display panel, particularly to the discharge cellstructure of such plasma display panel.

[0002] Recently, there has been appeared in the market a new type ofdisplay device which is large in size and small in thickness, with oneexample being a surface discharge type AC-driven plasma display panel.

[0003]FIG. 47 is a plane view schematically indicating a surfacedischarge type AC-driven plasma display panel made according to a priorart. FIG. 48 is a sectional view taken along line V-V in FIG. 47, FIG.49 is a sectional view taken along line W-W in FIG. 47.

[0004] As shown in FIGS. 47-49, the conventional plasma display panelhas a front glass substrate 1 (serving as a displaying surface), aplurality of row electrode pairs (X′, Y′), a dielectric layer 2 coveringthe row electrode pairs (X′, Y′), a protection layer 3 consisting of MgOcovering the dielectric layer 2.

[0005] Referring to FIG. 47, each row electrode pair (X′, Y′) includes apair of transparent electrodes (Xa′, Ya′) consisting of ITO transparentelectrically conductive film and having a relatively large width, and apair of bus electrodes (Xb′, Yb′) consisting of a metal film having arelatively small width. The bus electrodes (Xb′, Yb′) are provided tocompensate for the electric conductivity of the transparent electrodes(Xa′, Ya′).

[0006] Further, two row electrodes forming each row electrode pair (X′,Y′) are arranged in parallel with each other, forming a discharge gap g′therebetween, thereby forming one displaying line L for the plasmadisplay panel (matrix display).

[0007] Referring to FIGS. 48 and 49, the conventional plasma displaypanel has a rear glass substrate 4 arranged space-apart from the frontglass substrate 1, thereby forming an electric discharge space S′therebetween. Further, the display panel includes a plurality of columnelectrodes D′ arranged orthogonal to the row electrodes (X′, Y′), aplurality of belt-like partition walls 5 provided between and inparallel with the column electrodes D′, a fluorescent layer 6 includingthree kinds of original color portions 6(R), 6(G), 6(B). In detail, thefluorescent layer 6 is so provided that it covers the side surfaces ofthe partition walls 5 and the column electrodes D′.

[0008] In this way, the row electrode pairs (X′, Y′) are intersectedwith the column electrodes D′, while the discharge space S′ is dividedby the partition walls 5 into a plurality of smaller sections, therebyforming a plurality of electric discharge cells C′ serving as aplurality of light emission units, as shown in FIG. 47.

[0009] A displaying process of the surface discharge type AC-drivenplasma display panel having the structure shown in FIGS. 47-48 will bedescribed in the following.

[0010] At first, an addressing operation is conducted so that anelectric discharge is effected selectively among the discharge cells C′between the row electrode pairs (X′, Y′) and the column electrodes D. Asa result, a plurality of lit-up cells (discharge cells C′ where wallcharges have been formed in the dielectric layer 2) and a plurality ofextinguished cells (discharge cells C′ where wall charges are not formedin the dielectric layer 2) are distributed on the panel corresponding toa picture to be displayed.

[0011] Subsequently, discharge sustaining pulses are simultaneouslyapplied to all the displaying lines L in a manner such that the rowelectrode pairs (X′, Y′) will alternatively receive the dischargesustaining pulses. In this manner, surface discharge phenomenon willoccur in lit-up cells once the discharge sustaining pulses are appliedthereto.

[0012] At this moment, since ultraviolet light will be generated due tothe surface discharge in the lit-up cells, the fluorescent layer 6 (R,G, B) will be excited to effect light emission, thereby displaying apicture on the plasma display panel.

[0013] In the above-described surface discharge type AC-driven plasmadisplay panel, since a fluorescent layer 6 has been provided to covernot only the column electrodes D′ but also the side faces of thebelt-like partition walls 5, a light emission area within each dischargecell C′ has been increased, thus increasing the brightness of a picturebeing displayed on the panel.

[0014] However, with the above-described surface discharge typeAC-driven plasma display panel, if it is desired to improve the finenessof a displayed picture by reducing the size of each discharge cell C′, atotal surface area of the fluorescent layer 6 will also be undesirablyreduced, resulting in a deterioration in the brightness of the displayedpicture.

[0015] To cope with the above problem, it is allowed to consider makingnarrow the pitch between each row electrode pair (X′,Y′). This, however,would cause a problem called discharge interference between every twoadjacent discharge cells C′, hence resulting in some misdischarges.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0016] It is a first object of the present invention to provide animproved plasma display panel capable of ensuring an improved finenessfor a picture being displayed on the panel, without causing theabove-mentioned problems such as a decrease in a displaying brightnessand some misdischarges in discharge cells.

[0017] It is a second object of the present invention to provide animproved plasma display panel capable of preventing a reflection of anexternal light incident on the panel, thereby improving the contrast ofa picture being displayed on the panel.

[0018] It is a third object of the present invention to provide animproved plasma display panel capable having an improved resolution.

[0019] It is a fourth object of the present invention to provide animproved plasma display panel capable of preventing a warpage inpartition walls (which are provided to divide a discharge space into aplurality of discharge cells), thereby preventing a possible deformationin the predetermined shape of the discharge cells.

[0020] It is a fifth object of the present invention to provide animproved plasma display panel capable of preventing the formation ofunwanted slots between a front glass substrate and a rear glasssubstrate, thereby avoiding any possible defect caused by such slots inthe display panel.

[0021] According to the present invention, there is provided a plasmadisplay panel comprising: a front substrate; a plurality of rowelectrode pairs provided on the inner surface of the front substrate,said row electrode pairs being arranged in parallel with one another andextending in the row direction of the panel, with each row electrodepair forming a displaying line; a dielectric layer provided on the innersurface of the front substrate for coverring the row electrode pairs; arear substrate arranged in parallel with and space-apart from the frontsubstrate, forming a discharge space therebetween; a plurality of columnelectrodes provided on the inner surface of the rear substrate, saidcolumn electrodes being arranged in parallel with one another andextending in the column direction of the panel, in a manner such that ateach intersection of a row electrode pair with a column electrode thereis formed a light emission unit; a partition wall assembly providedbetween the front substrate and the rear substrate, said partition wallassembly including a plurality of longitudinal partition walls and aplurality of lateral partition walls, thereby dividing the dischargespace into a plurality of discharge cells. In particular, the dielectriclayer has a plurality of projection portions located corresponding toand protruding toward the lateral partition walls of the partition wallassembly, in a manner such that there would be no slots formed betweenthe dielectric layer and the lateral partition walls.

[0022] In one more aspect of the present invention, a slot is formedbetween the dielectric layer and each longitudinal partition wall of thepartition wall assembly.

[0023] In one more aspect of the present invention, a fluorescent layeris formed to cover side faces of the longitudinal partition walls andthe lateral partition walls and exposed portions of another dielectriclayer formed on the inner surface of the rear substrate

[0024] In one more aspect of the present invention, the partition wallassembly has a two-layer structure, one of which is a light absorbinglayer located closer to the front substrate, and the other of which is alight reflecting layer located closer to the rear substrate. In one moreaspect of the present invention, each row electrode pair has two rowelectrodes each having a light absorbing layer facing the frontsubstrate In one more aspect of the present invention, each of the tworow electrodes forming one electrode pair has a plurality of protrudingportions, forming a plurality of discharge gaps between mutually facingprotruding portions of the two row electrodes.

[0025] In one more aspect of the present invention, a mutual positionalrelationship between two row electrodes of a row electrode pair isalternatively changed from one displaying line to another, two mutuallyadjacent row electrodes of every two mutually adjacent displaying linesare connected to an identical common electrode main body.

[0026] In one more aspect of the present invention, protruding portionsof two mutually adjacent row electrodes of every two mutually adjacentdisplaying lines are connected with each other.

[0027] In one more aspect of the present invention, there are formed aplurality of lateral light absorbing straps on the inner surface of thefront substrate, with each lateral light absorbing strap beingpositioned between two mutually adjacent row electrodes of every twomutually adjacent displaying lines.

[0028] In one more aspect of the present invention, there are formed aplurality of longitudinal light absorbing straps on the inner surface ofthe front substrate, with each longitudinal light absorbing strap beingpositioned corresponding to one longitudinal partition wall.

[0029] In one more aspect of the present invention, a light absorbinglayer is formed on the inner surface of the front substrate layer, saidlight absorbing layer having the same pattern corresponding to thelateral and longitudinal partition walls of the partition wall assembly.

[0030] In one more aspect of the present invention, protruding portionsof two row electrodes forming one displaying line have mutually facinghead portions which are inclined with respect to the row direction ofthe panel.

[0031] In one more aspect of the present invention, each displaying lineincludes a plurality of discharge cells repeatedly arranged in the orderof R, G, B, each column includes a plurality of same color dischargecells, with every three discharge cells (R, G, B) arranged in a displayline forming one picture element.

[0032] In one more aspect of the present invention, each displaying lineincludes a plurality of discharge cells repeatedly arranged in the orderof R, G, B, one displaying line being deviated in the row direction fromits adjacent displaying line by one discharge cell, with every threedischarge cells (R, G, B) arranged in a display line forming one pictureelement.

[0033] In one more aspect of the present invention, each displaying lineincludes a plurality of discharge cells repeatedly arranged in the orderof R, G, B, one displaying line being deviated in the row direction fromits adjacent displaying line by half width of one discharge cell, withevery three discharge cells (R, G, B) arranged in a display line formingone picture element.

[0034] In one more aspect of the present invention, each displaying lineincludes a plurality of discharge cells repeatedly arranged in the orderof R, G, B, one displaying line being deviated in the row direction fromits adjacent displaying line by 1.5 times the width of one dischargecell, in a manner such that each pitch element may also be formed bythree discharge cells (R, G, B) which together form a triangularconfiguration bridging over two mutually adjacent displaying lines.

[0035] In one more aspect of the present invention, each lateralpartition wall of the partition wall assembly is divided into twoportions by an elongated slot extending in the row direction of thepanel.

[0036] In one more aspect of the present invention, each divided portionof each lateral partition wall has substantially the same width as thatof each longitudinal partition wall of the partition wall assembly.

[0037] In one more aspect of the present invention, a plurality of lightabsorbing straps are formed on the inner surface of the front substrate,in positions corresponding to the elongated slots.

[0038] In one more aspect of the present invention, a plurality of lightabsorbing straps are formed on the inner surface of the front substrate,in positions corresponding to the longitudinal partition walls of thepartition wall assembly.

[0039] In one more aspect of the present invention, at least thelongitudinal partition walls of the partition wall assembly have atwo-layer structure, one of which is a light absorbing layer facingtoward the front substrate, and the other of which is a light reflectinglayer facing toward the rear substrate.

[0040] In one more aspect of the present invention, each of two rowelectrodes of a row electrode pair includes an elongated main bodyportion extending in the row direction of the panel and a plurality ofprotruding portions extending in the column direction of the panel, sothat a plurality of discharge gaps are formed between mutually facingprotruding portions of two elongated main body portions. In particular,each elongated main body port ion is made by a metal film. Further, eachprotruding port ion is formed by a transparent electrically conductivefilm, with its base end connected to an elongated main body portion.

[0041] In one more aspect of the present invention, a light absorbinglayer is formed on each elongated main body portion so that said lightabsorbing layer is interposed between the inner surface of the frontsubstrate and the elongated main body portion.

[0042] In one more aspect of the present invention, one elongated mainbody portion is shared by two mutually adjacent row electrodes of twomutually adjacent displaying lines.

[0043] In one more aspect of the present invention, the outermost cornerport ions of each lateral partition wall are removed so as to forminclined surfaces thereon.

[0044] In one more aspect of the present invention, outer end portionsof partition wall assembly are formed in positions not facing theprojection portions of the dielectric layer.

[0045] In one more aspect of the present invention, outer end portionsof each pair of lateral partition walls are combined with each other inpositions not facing the projection portions of the dielectric layer.

[0046] In one more aspect of the present invention, the partition wallassembly is made of a light transmissible material.

[0047] In one more aspect of the present invention, each of two rowelectrodes of one row electrode pair has a plurality of protrudingportions, thereby forming a plurality of discharge gaps between mutuallyfacing protruding portions of the two row electrodes. Further, a mutualpositional relationship between two row electrodes of one row electrodepair is alternatively changed from one displaying line to another.Moreover, one common electrode main body portion is shared by twomutually adjacent row electrodes of two mutually adjacent displayinglines.

[0048] The above objects and features of the present invention willbecome better understood from the following description with referenceto the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0049]FIG. 1 is a plane view indicating a plasma display panel accordingto a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0050]FIG. 2 is a cross sectional view taken along a line V1-V1 in FIG.1.

[0051]FIG. 3 is a cross sectional view taken along a line V2-V2 in FIG.1.

[0052]FIG. 4 is a cross sectional view taken along a line W1-W1 in FIG.1.

[0053]FIG. 5 is a cross sectional view taken along a line W2-W2 in FIG.1.

[0054]FIG. 6 is a plane view indicating a plasma display panel accordingto a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0055]FIG. 7 is a plane view indicating a plasma display panel accordingto a third embodiment of the present invention.

[0056]FIG. 8 is a plane view indicating a modified example of the thirdembodiment shown in FIG. 7.

[0057]FIG. 9 is a plane view indicating a plasma display panel accordingto a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0058]FIG. 10 is a cross sectional view taken along a line V3-V3 in FIG.9.

[0059]FIG. 11 is a cross sectional view taken along a line V4-V4 in FIG.9.

[0060]FIG. 12 is a cross sectional view taken along a line W3-W3 in FIG.9.

[0061]FIG. 13 is a cross sectional view taken along a line W4-W4 in FIG.9.

[0062]FIG. 14 is a plane view indicating a plasma display panelaccording to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

[0063]FIG. 15 is a cross sectional view taken along a line V5-V5 in FIG.14.

[0064]FIG. 16 is a cross sectional view taken along a line V6-V6 in FIG.14.

[0065]FIG. 17 is a plane view indicating a plasma display panelaccording to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.

[0066]FIG. 18 is a plane view indicating a plasma display panelaccording to a seventh embodiment of the present invention.

[0067]FIG. 19 is a plane view indicating a plasma display panelaccording to an eighth embodiment of the present invention.

[0068]FIG. 20 is a plane view indicating a plasma display panelaccording to a ninth embodiment of the present invention.

[0069]FIG. 21 is a plane view indicating a plasma display panelaccording to a tenth embodiment of the present invention.

[0070]FIG. 22 is a plane view indicating a plasma display panelaccording to an eleventh embodiment of the present invention.

[0071]FIG. 23 is a cross sectional view taken along a line V7-V7 in FIG.22.

[0072]FIG. 24 is a cross sectional view taken along a line V8-V8 in FIG.22.

[0073]FIG. 25 is a cross sectional view taken along a line W5-W5 in FIG.22.

[0074]FIG. 26 is a cross sectional view taken along a line W6-W6 in FIG.22.

[0075]FIG. 27 is a plane view indicating a plasma display panelaccording to a twelfth embodiment of the present invention.

[0076]FIG. 28 is a cross sectional view taken along a line V9-V9 in FIG.27.

[0077]FIG. 29 is a cross sectional view taken along a line V10-V10 inFIG. 27.

[0078]FIG. 30 is a plane view indicating a plasma display panelaccording to a thirteenth embodiment of the present invention.

[0079]FIG. 31 is a plane view indicating a plasma display panelaccording to a fourteenth embodiment of the present invention.

[0080]FIG. 32 is a plane view indicating a plasma display panelaccording to a fifteenth embodiment of the present invention.

[0081]FIG. 33 is a cross sectional view taken along a line V11-V11 inFIG. 32.

[0082]FIG. 34 is a cross sectional view taken along a line V12-V12 inFIG. 32.

[0083]FIG. 35 is a cross sectional view taken along a line W7-W7 in FIG.32.

[0084]FIG. 36 is a cross sectional view taken along a line W8-W8 in FIG.32.

[0085]FIG. 37 is a plane view indicating a plasma display panelaccording to a sixteenth embodiment of the present invention.

[0086]FIG. 38 is a plane view indicating a plasma display panelaccording to a seventeenth embodiment of the present invention.

[0087]FIG. 39 is a plane view indicating a plasma display panelaccording to an eighteenth embodiment of the present invention.

[0088]FIG. 40 is a plane view indicating a plasma display panelaccording to a nineteenth embodiment of the present invention.

[0089]FIG. 41 is a plane view indicating a plasma display panelaccording to a twentieth embodiment of the present invention.

[0090]FIG. 42 is a plane view indicating a plasma display panel showingthe shape of modified partition wall assembly of the present invention.

[0091]FIG. 43 is a plane view indicating a plasma display panelaccording to a 21th embodiment of the present invention.

[0092]FIG. 44 is a cross sectional view taken along a line W9-W9 in FIG.43.

[0093]FIG. 45 is a cross sectional view taken along a line W10-W10 inFIG. 43.

[0094]FIG. 46 is a cross sectional view taken along a line V13-V13 inFIG. 43.

[0095]FIG. 47 is a plane view indicating a plasma display panelaccording to a prior art.

[0096]FIG. 48 is a cross sectional view taken along a line V-V in FIG.47.

[0097]FIG. 49 is a cross sectional view taken along a line W-W in FIG.47.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0098] First Embodiment

[0099] A first embodiment of the present invention is illustrated inFIGS. 1-5.

[0100] Referring to FIGS. 1-5, a surface discharge type AC-driven plasmadisplay panel of the present invention has a front glass substrate 10serving as a displaying surface for the panel, a plurality of rowelectrode pairs (X,Y) mutually parallelly disposed on the inner surfaceof the front glass substrate 10.

[0101] Each row electrode X includes a plurality of T-shaped transparentelectrodes Xa consisting of a transparent electrically conductive filmmade of ITO, and an elongated bus electrode Xb consisting of a metalfilm which is connected with one end of each T-shaped transparentelectrode Xa.

[0102] Similarly, each row electrode Y includes a plurality of T-shapedtransparent electrodes Ya consisting of a transparent electricallyconductive film made of ITO, and an elongated bus electrode Ybconsisting of a metal film which is connected with one end of eachT-shaped transparent electrode Ya.

[0103] Further, two row electrodes (X, Y) forming a row electrode pairare arranged in parallel to each other, with a plurality of dischargegaps g formed between the T-shaped transparent electrodes Xa and theT-shaped transparent electrodes Ya, thereby forming one displaying lineL for the plasma display panel (matrix display).

[0104] The T-shaped transparent electrodes Xa, Ya are formed on theinner surface of the front glass substrate 10 by vapor-depositting ITOthereon, followed by a patterning treatment with the use of aphotolithographic method.

[0105] On the other hand, each elongated bus electrode Xb includes ablack colour electrically conductive layer Xb′ (facing the front glasssubstrate 10) and a main electrically conductive layer Xb″. Similarly,each elongated bus electrode Yb includes a black colour electricallyconductive layer Yb′ (facing the front glass substrate 10) and a mainelectrically conductive layer Yb′.

[0106] These bus electrodes Xb, Yb are formed by at first applying asilver paste (in which a black pigment has been mixed) to the innersurface of the front glass substrate 10, followed by a drying treatment,thereby obtaining a dried black color paste layer. Further, a silverpaste is applied to the dried black color paste layer, followed by apatterning treatment with the use of a photolithographic method, andfurther through a sintering treatment, thus forming the bus electrodesXb, Yb on the inner surface of the front glass substrate 10.

[0107] Further, a dielectric layer II is formed on the inner surface ofthe front glass substrate 10 in a manner such that it covers up all therow electrode pairs (X, Y). Moreover, the dielectric layer II includes aplurality of projection portions 11A located in positions correspondingto every two mutually adjacent bus electrodes Xb, Yb.

[0108] The dielectric layer 11 may be formed by at first preparing anamount of low melting point glass paste and then forming the paste intoseveral layers of films each having a predetermined thickness, followedby laminating the films and a sintering treatment. The projectionportions 11A may be formed by screen-printing (with a predeterminedthickness) a similar low melting point glass paste on to the dielectriclayer 11, followed by a similar sintering treatment.

[0109] Then, a protection layer 12 consisting of MgO is formed on thedielectric layer 11, thus coverring the projection portions 11A.

[0110] On the other hand, the plasma display panel has a rear glasssubstrate 13 arranged in parallel with and space-apart from the frontglass substrate 10. A plurality of column electrodes D are provided onthe inner surface of the rear glass substrate 13, and arrangedorthogonal to the row electrode pairs (X, Y), in positions correspondingto the T-shaped transparent electrodes Xa, Ya.

[0111] The column electrodes D are formed by vapor-depositting an Alalloy (such as Al—Mn alloy) on to the inner surface of the rear glasssubstrate 13, followed by a patterning treatment with the use of aphotolithographic method.

[0112] Further, a white color dielectric layer 14 is formed on the innersurface of the rear glass substrate 13 so as to cover up all the columnelectrodes D. Moreover, a plurality of mutually orthogonal partitionwalls 15 a, 15 b are formed on the dielectric layer 14, thus forming a#-like partition wall assembly 15, as shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 4.

[0113] The white color dielectric layer 14 may be formed by applying aglass paste (in which a white pigment has been mixed) to the innersurface of the rear glass substrate 13 and the column electrodes D,followed by a drying treatment.

[0114] The partition walls 15 a are longitudinal partition wallsarranged in the column direction of the panel, while the partition walls15 b are lateral partition walls arranged in the row direction of thepanel and located in positions corresponding to the projection portions11A of the dielectric layer 11.

[0115] By virtue of the #-like partition wall assembly 15, an electricdischarge space formed between the front glass substrate 10 and the rearglass substrate 13 is divided into a plurality of smaller dischargespaces S (FIG. 1) each enclosing a pair of mutually facing T-shapedtransparent electrodes Xa, Ya between a pair of row electrodes (X, Y).

[0116] In detail, each of the partition walls 15 a and 15 b has atwo-layer structure including a black color layer (light absorbinglayer) 15′ (facing the front glass substrate 10) and a white color layer(light reflecting layer) 15″ (facing the rear glass substrate 13).

[0117] The #-like partition wall assembly 15 may be formed in thefollowing process. At first, a low melting point glass paste uniformlycontaining a white color pigment and a low melting point glass pasteuniformly containing a black color pigment are applied successively tothe dielectric layer 14, followed by a drying treatment. Then, a #-likemask is employed to selectively cut the thus formed white glass layerand the black glass layer by virtue of a sand blast treatment, therebyforming the desired #-like partition wall assembly 15.

[0118] As shown in FIG. 4, a gap r is formed between each longitudinalpartition wall 15 a and the protection layer 12. On the other hand, asshown in FIG. 2, there is not any gap formed between the lateralpartition walls 15 b and the protection layer 12.

[0119] A fluorescent layer 16 is formed in a manner such that it coversthe side surfaces (facing the discharge spaces S) of the longitudinalpartition walls 15 a and the lateral partition walls 15 b, furthercovers the exposed portions (facing the discharge spaces S) of thedielectric layer 14.

[0120] The fluorescent layer 16 is arranged such that its differentcolor portions (R, G, B) are arranged repeatedly in the discharge spacesS in the row direction of the panel.

[0121] Then, a noble gas is sealed into the discharge spaces S.

[0122] In a plasma display panel constituted in the above manner, therow electrode pairs (X,Y) are used to form displaying lines L for amatrix display, while the discharge spaces S formed by the #-likepartition wall assembly 15 are used to form discharge cells C.

[0123] The operation of the plasma display panel made according to thepresent embodiment may be performed in the same manner as in theabove-discussed prior art.

[0124] Namely, at first, an addressing operation is conducted so that anelectric discharge is effected selectively among the discharge cells Cbetween the row electrode pairs (X, Y) and the column electrodes D. As aresult, a plurality of lit-up cells (discharge cells C where wallcharges have been formed in the dielectric layer 11) and a plurality ofextinguished cells (discharge cells C where wall charges are not formedin the dielectric layer 11) are distributed on the panel correspondingto a picture to be displayed.

[0125] Subsequently, discharge sustaining pulses are simultaneouslyapplied to all the displaying lines L in a manner such that the rowelectrode pairs (X, Y) will alternatively receive the dischargesustaining pulses. In this manner, surface discharge phenomenon willoccur in lit-up cells once the discharge sustaining pulses are applied.

[0126] At this moment, since ultraviolet light will be generated due tothe surface discharge in the lit-up cells, the fluorescent layer 16 (R,G, B) will be excited to effect light emission, thereby displaying apicture on the plasma display panel.

[0127] In the plasma display panel of the present embodiment, since afluorescent layer 16 is provided on the dielectric layer 14 to cover notonly the exposed portions of the dielectric layer 14 but also all theside faces (facing the discharge spaces S) of the partition wallassembly 15, the surface area of the fluorescent layer 16, i.e., a lightemission area within each discharge cell C has been increased, thusincreasing the brightness of a picture being displayed on the panel.

[0128] At this time, even if the size of each discharge cell C is madesmaller in order to increase a fineness and a clarity of a picture beingdisplayed, it is still allowed to ensure a required brightness for apicture.

[0129] Further, as shown in FIG. 1, since the T-shaped transparentelectrodes Xa, Ya of each row electrode pair (X, Y) are facing eachother and are independently enclosed in discharge cells C (i.e., onedischarge cell C contains one pair of transparent electrodes Xa, Ya),even if the size of each discharge cell C is made smaller in order toincrease a fineness and a clarity of a picture being displayed, it issure to prevent a discharge interference from one discharge cell to anadjacent discharge cell in the row direction of the panel (along eachdisplaying line L).

[0130] Moreover, since the projection portions 11A are formed on thedielectric layer 11, and since the protection layer 12 covering theprojection portions 11A are in tight contact with the lateral partitionwalls 15 b, mutually adjacent discharge spaces S of mutually adjacentcells C in the column direction of the panel are isolated from eachother (FIGS. 2 and 5). Therefore, it is also sure to prevent a dischargeinterference from one discharge cell to an adjacent discharge cell inthe column direction of the panel.

[0131] On the other hand, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the upper surfaceof each longitudinal partition wall 15 a is facing some areas (nothaving projections 11A) of the dielectric layer 11, forming a slot rbetween the upper surface of each longitudinal partition wall 15 a andthe protection layer 12. In this way, mutually adjacent discharge spacesS of mutually adjacent discharge cells C in the row direction of thepanel (along each displaying line L) are connected with one anotherthrough the slots r, thereby producing a priming effect enabling a kindof chain discharge (discharging continuously from one cell to another),thus ensuring a stabilized discharge in the plasma display panel.

[0132] In addition, since the black color electrically conductive layersXb′, Yb′ (facing the front glass substrate 10) are formed in the manneras shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, it is sure to prevent a reflection of anexternal light coming from the outside through the front glass substrate10, thereby enabling an improvement in the contrast of a picture beingdisplayed on the plasma display panel.

[0133] Further, since the dielectric layer 14 formed on the innersurface of the rear glass substrate 13 is white in color, lights emittedby the fluorescent layer 16 are reflected towards the front glasssubstrate 10, thereby preventing the light from escaping towards therear glass substrate 13, thus increasing the brightness of a picturebeing displayed on the panel.

[0134] Moreover, the dielectric layer 14 can also serve as a protectionlayer during a sand blast treatment.

[0135] In addition, since the black color layer 15′ is formed on thepartition assembly 15, it is further sure to prevent a reflect ion of anexternal light coming from the outside through the front glass substrate10, thereby enabling a further improvement in the contrast of a picturebeing displayed on the plasma display panel.

[0136] Further, since the side faces of the partition wall assembly 15are mainly formed by the white color layer 15″, lights emitted by thefluorescent layer 16 are reflected towards the front glass substrate 10,thus increasing the brightness of a picture being displayed on thepanel.

[0137] Second Embodiment

[0138] A second embodiment of the present invention is illustrated inFIG. 6.

[0139] As shown in FIG. 6, a plasma display panel according to thesecond embodiment includes a plurality of displaying lines Li, Li+1 . .. , along which there are disposed row electrodes (Xi, Yi) in accordancewith an arrangement of (Yi, Xi), (Xi+1, Yi+1) . . . in the columndirection of the panel.

[0140] In this way, T-shaped transparent electrodes (Xai, Xai+1) ofmutually adjacent row electrodes (Xi, Xi+1) are allowed to be connectedto a common (elongated) bus electrode Xbj, thus enabling a total areaoccupied by the elongated bus electrodes to be smaller than that in theplasma display panel of the first embodiment (FIGS. 1-5).

[0141] Further, each lateral wall 25 b of a #-like partition wallassembly 25 is allowed to be narrower in its width than that in theplasma display panel of the first embodiment (FIGS. 1-20 5), thusensuring each discharge space S1 to be larger than that in the firstembodiment, thereby making it possible to increase a total surface areaof a fluorescent layer within each discharge space S1, thus desirablyincreasing the brightness of the plasma display panel.

[0142] Moreover, with the use of the common (elongated) bus electrodesXbj, it is allowed to reduce a discharge current during an electricdischarge of the plasma display panel.

[0143] In addition, it is also possible that mutually adjacent T-shapedtransparent electrodes (Xai, Xai+1) of mutually adjacent row electrodes(Xi, Xi+1) may be connected to each other at the end portions thereof.

[0144] Third Embodiment

[0145] A third embodiment of the present invention is illustrated inFIG. 7.

[0146] As shown in FIG. 7, a plasma display panel according to the thirdembodiment includes a plurality of displaying lines Li−1′, Li′, Li+1′. .. , along which there are disposed row electrodes (Xi′, Yi′), inaccordance with an arrangement of (Yi−1′, Xi−1′), (Xi′, Yi′), (Yi+1′,Xi+1′) . . . in the column direction of the panel.

[0147] In fact, T-shaped transparent electrodes (Xai−1′, Xai′) ofmutually adjacent row electrodes (Xi−1′, Xi′) are allowed to beconnected to a common (elongated) bus electrode Xbj′, transparentelectrodes (Yai′, Yai+1′) of mutually adjacent row electrodes (Yi′,Yi+1′) are allowed to be connected to a common (elongated) bus electrodeYbj′.

[0148] In this way, with respect to mutually adjacent displaying lines(Li−1′, Li′), mutually adjacent row electrodes (Xi−1′, Xi′) are allowedto use a common bus electrode Xbj ′. Similarly, with respect to mutuallyadjacent displaying lines (Li′, Li+1′, ), mutually adjacent rowelectrodes (Yi′, Yi+1′) are allowed to use a common bus electrode Ybj′.Such arrangement enables a total area occupied by elongated buselectrodes to be smaller than that in the plasma display panel of thesecond embodiment (FIG. 6).

[0149] Further, each lateral partition wall 25 b′ of a #-like partitionwall assembly 25′ is allowed to be narrower in its width than that inthe plasma display panel of the first embodiment (FIGS. 1-5), thusensuring each discharge space S1′ to be larger than that in the firstembodiment, thereby making it possible to increase a total surface areaof a fluorescent layer within each discharge space S1′, thus desirablyincreasing the brightness of the plasma display panel.

[0150] Moreover, with the use of common bus electrodes Xbj′, Ybj′, it ispossible to reduce a discharge current during an electric discharge ofthe plasma display panel.

[0151] In addition, as shown in FIG. 8, it is possible that mutuallyadjacent T-shaped transparent electrodes (Xai−1′, Xai′) of mutuallyadjacent row electrodes (Xi−1′, Xi′) may be integrally connected to eachother at the end portions thereof. Similarly, it is also possible thatmutually adjacent T-shaped transparent electrodes (Yai′, Xai+1′) ofmutually adjacent row electrodes (Yi′, Yi+1′) may be integrallyconnected to each other at the end portions thereof.

[0152] Fourth Embodiment

[0153] A fourth embodiment of the present invention is illustrated inFIGS. 9-13.

[0154] As shown in FIGS. 9-13, a plasma display panel according to thefourth embodiment is almost the same as the plasma display panel of thefirst embodiment (FIGS. 1-5) except the following differences.

[0155] Namely, the inner surface of the front glass substrate 10 hasformed thereon a plurality of lateral light absorbing straps (lightblocking straps) 30 and a plurality of longitudinal light absorbingstraps (light blocking straps) 31. In detail, the lateral lightabsorbing straps 30 are so arranged that each of them is disposedbetween mutually adjacent (elongated) bus electrodes Yb, Xb of mutuallyadjacent row electrodes (X, Y). On the other hand, longitudinal lightabsorbing straps 31 are so formed that each of them is facing alongitudinal partition wall 35 a of a #-like partition wall assembly 35.

[0156] The #-like partition wall assembly 35 has a single-layerstructure white in color, which is a difference between the fourthembodiment and the first embodiment.

[0157] In this way, all the portions on the inner surface of the frontglass substrate 10 except those facing the discharge spaces S arecovered up by the light absorbing straps 30, 31 and the black colorelectrically conductive layers Xb′, Yb′ (as in the first embodiment).Therefore, it is sure to prevent a reflection of an external lightcoming from outside through the front glass substrate 10, therebyenabling an improvement in the contrast of a picture being displayed onthe plasma display panel.

[0158] Nevertheless, it is also allowed to provide only one sort of thetwo kinds of the light absorbing straps 30, 31, i.e., it is alsopossible to provide either the lateral straps 30 or the longitudinalstraps 31.

[0159] Further, on the inner surface of the front glass substrate 10,there may be formed many pieces of different color filters (not shown)corresponding to different color portions (R, G, B) of the fluorescentlayer 16 (located in the discharge spaces S).

[0160] At this time, the two kinds of the light absorbing straps 30, 31may be located in positions corresponding to slots formed between thedifferent color filters facing the discharge spaces S.

[0161] Fifth Embodiment

[0162] A fifth embodiment of the present invention is illustrated inFIGS. 14-16.

[0163] As shown in FIGS. 14-16, a plasma display panel according to thefifth embodiment is almost the same as the plasma display panel of thefirst embodiment (FIGS. 1-5) except the following differences.

[0164] Namely, the inner surface of the front glass substrate 10 hasformed thereon a #-like light absorbing layers 40 corresponding to theentire (all portions of) #-like partition wall assembly 45.

[0165] Bus electrodes Xob, Yob of row electrodes Xo, Yo are each formedby only one layer which is an electrically conductive layer, locatedunder the light absorbing layers 40.

[0166] In this way, since the inner surface of the front glass substrate10 is covered by the light absorbing layers 40 except the portionsfacing the discharge spaces S, it is sure to prevent a reflection of anexternal light coming from outside through the front glass substrate 10,thereby enabling an improvement in the contrast of a picture beingdisplayed on the plasma display panel.

[0167] Sixth Embodiment

[0168] A sixth embodiment of the present invention is illustrated inFIG. 17.

[0169] As shown in FIG. 17, a plasma display panel according to thesixth embodiment has a partition wall assembly 55 including longitudinalpartition walls 55 a and lateral-partition walls 55 b.

[0170] In particular, each longitudinal partition wall 55 a has a widthh1 which is larger than that in any of the previous embodiments.Further, each end portion of each length (extending between two lateralpartition walls 55 b) of each longitudinal part it ion wall 55 a becomeslarger towards a lateral partition wall 55 b.

[0171] Moreover, T-shaped transparent electrodes Xo1 a, Yo1 a of rowelectrodes Xo1, Yo1 have head portions Xo1 a′, Yo1 a′ which are inclinedwith respect to the displaying lines L and are facing each other withgaps g″ formed therebetween.

[0172] In this way, if each longitudinal partition wall 55 a has alarger width, and if a black color layer is formed on the longitudinalpartition wall 55 a (in the same manner as in the first embodiment shownin FIGS. 1-5), and further, if black color light blocking straps (orlayers) are formed on the inner surface of the front glass substrate 10in positions corresponding to the partition wall assembly 55 (in thesame manner as in the fourth and fifth embodiments shown in FIGS. 9-16),these black color layers (or straps) may the made larger in their areas,thereby making it more exact to prevent a reflection of an externallight coming from outside.

[0173] Referring again to FIG. 17, each discharge gap g″ has alength×which is required to be 200-250 microns in order to reduce adischarge starting voltage. If the length is longer than 250 microns orshorter than 200 microns, the discharge starting voltage willundesirably increase.

[0174] Seventh Embodiment

[0175] A seventh embodiment of the present invention is illustrated inFIG. 18.

[0176]FIG. 18 is a plane view schematically indicating how a pluralityof picture elements are formed by virtue of a plurality of dischargecells C including three kinds of colors R, G, B.

[0177] As shown in FIG. 18, a plurality of discharge cells C are formedby virtue of a #-like partition wall assembly 15A. DA is used torepresent column electrodes.

[0178] The discharge cells C are arranged in each displaying line L (rowdirection) in the order of R, G, B repeatedly, and in each column(column direction) there are arranged a plurality of discharge cellsbelonging to only one kind of color.

[0179] In fact, every three discharge cells C (R, G, B) arranged in adisplay line L will form one picture element GA. Thus, a plurality ofpicture elements GA are aligned in the column direction.

[0180] Eighth Embodiment

[0181] An eighth embodiment of the present invention is illustrated inFIG. 19.

[0182]FIG. 19 is also a plane view schematically indicating how aplurality of picture elements are formed by virtue of a plurality ofdischarge cells C including three kinds of colors R, G, B.

[0183] As shown in FIG. 19, a plurality of discharge cells C are formedby virtue of a #-like partition wall assembly 15B. DB is used torepresent column electrodes.

[0184] The discharge cells C are arranged in each displaying line L (rowdirection) in the order of R, G, B repeatedly, but with one displayingline L being deviated from its adjacent displaying line L by onedischarge cell C in the row direction (arranged in a manner shown inFIG. 19).

[0185] In fact, every three discharge cells C (R, G, B) arranged in adisplay line L will form one picture element GB. Thus, when viewed inthe column direction, one picture element GB is deviated from itsadjacent (in column direction) picture element GB by one discharge cellC in the row direction.

[0186] In this way, since one picture element GB is deviated (whenviewed in the column direction) from its adjacent (in column direction)picture element GB by one discharge cell C in the row direction, it ispossible to improve the resolution of a picture being displayed on thepanel.

[0187] Ninth Embodiment

[0188] A ninth embodiment of the present invention is illustrated inFIG. 20.

[0189]FIG. 20 is also a plane view schematically indicating how aplurality of picture elements are formed by virtue of a plurality ofdischarge cells C including three kinds of colors R, G, B.

[0190] As shown in FIG. 20, a plurality of discharge cells C are formedby virtue of a #-like partition wall assembly 15C. DC is used torepresent column electrodes.

[0191] In particular, when viewed in the column direction, two mutuallyadjacent (in column direction) discharge cells C are deviated from eachother by half width of one cell C in the row direction.

[0192] Accordingly, each of color portions R, G, B of one displayingline L is deviated from a corresponding color portion of an adjacentdisplaying line L by half width of one cell C in the row direction.

[0193] For this reason, the column electrodes DC are formed in a zigzagconfiguration as shown in FIG. 20, thereby permitting the formation ofthe arrangement of discharge cells C shown in FIG. 20.

[0194] In this manner, since each picture element GC consists of threedischarge cells C (R, G, B) arranged in the row direction, each of colorportions R, G, B of one picture element on one displaying line L isdeviated (in the row direction) from a corresponding color portion of acorresponding picture element of an adjacent displaying line L by halfwidth of one cell C, it is allowed to further improve the resolution ofa picture being displayed on the panel.

[0195] Tenth Embodiment

[0196] A tenth embodiment of the present invention is illustrated inFIG. 21.

[0197]FIG. 21 is also a plane view schematically indicating how aplurality of picture elements are formed by virtue of a plurality ofdischarge cells C including three kinds of colors R, G, B.

[0198] As shown in FIG. 21, a plurality of discharge cells C are formedby virtue of a t-like partition wall assembly 15D. DD is used torepresent column electrodes.

[0199] In particular, when viewed in the column direction, two mutuallyadjacent (in column direction) discharge cells C are deviated from eachother by half width of one cell C in the row direction.

[0200] In more detail, each of color portions R, G, B of one displayingline L is deviated (in the row direction) from a corresponding colorportion of an adjacent displaying line L by 1.5 times the width of onecell C.

[0201] Accordingly, similar to the ninth embodiment, the columnelectrodes DD are formed in a zigzag configuration as shown in FIG. 21,thereby permitting the formation of the arrangement of discharge cells Cshown in FIG. 21.

[0202] In this manner, as shown in FIG. 21, each pitch element GD mayalso be formed by three discharge cells (R, G, B) which together form atriangular configuration bridging over two-mutually adjacent displayinglines L, thereby further improving the resolution of a picture beingdisplayed on the panel.

[0203] Eleventh Embodiment

[0204] An eleventh embodiment of the present invention is illustrated inFIGS. 22-26.

[0205] Referring to FIGS. 22-26, a surface discharge type AC-drivenplasma display panel according to the eleventh embodiment of the presentinvention has a front glass substrate 10 serving as a displaying surfacefor the panel, a plurality of row electrode pairs (X,Y) parallellydisposed on the inner surface of the front glass substrate 10.

[0206] Each row electrode X includes a plurality of T-shaped transparentelectrodes Xa each consisting of a transparent electrically conductivefilm made of ITO, and an elongated bus electrode Xb consisting of ametal film which is connected with one end of each T-shaped transparentelectrode Xa.

[0207] Similarly, each row electrode Y includes a plurality of T-shapedtransparent electrodes Ya each consisting of a transparent electricallyconductive film made of ITO, and an elongated bus electrode Ybconsisting of a metal film which is connected with one end of eachT-shaped transparent electrode Ya.

[0208] Further, two row electrodes (X, Y) forming each row electrodepair are arranged in parallel to each other, with a plurality ofdischarge gaps g formed between the T-shaped transparent electrodes Xa,Ya, thereby forming one displaying line L for the display panel (matrixdisplay).

[0209] The T-shaped transparent electrodes Xa, Ya are formed on theinner surface of the front glass substrate 10 by vapor-depositting ITOthereon, followed by a patterning treatment with the use of aphotolithographic method.

[0210] On the other hand, each elongated bus electrode Xb includes ablack colour electrically conductive layer Xb′ (facing the front glasssubstrate 10) and a main electrically conductive layer Xb″. Similarly,each elongated bus electrode Yb includes a black colour electricallyconductive layer Yb′ (facing the front glass substrate 10) and a mainelectrically conductive layer Yb″.

[0211] The elongated bus electrodes Xb, Yb are formed by at firstapplying a silver paste (in which a black pigment has been mixed) to theinner surface of the front glass substrate followed by a dryingtreatment, thereby obtaining a dried black color paste layer. Further, asilver paste is applied to the dried black color paste layer, followedby a patterning treatment with the use of a photolithographic method,and further through a sintering treatment, thus forming the buselectrodes Xb, Yb on the inner surface of the front glass substrate 10.

[0212] Further, the inner surface of the front glass substrate hasformed thereon a plurality of lateral light absorbing straps (lightblocking straps) 60 and a plurality of longitudinal light absorbingstraps (light blocking straps) 61. In detail, the lateral lightabsorbing straps 60 are so arranged that each of them is disposedbetween mutually adjacent (elongated) bus electrodes Yb, Xb of mutuallyadjacent row electrodes (X, Y). On the other hand, longitudinal lightabsorbing straps 61 are so formed that each of them is facing alongitudinal partition wall 65 a of a partition wall assembly 65.

[0213] Further, a dielectric layer 11 is formed on the inner surface ofthe front glass substrate 10 in a manner such that it covers up all therow electrode pairs (X,Y). Moreover, the dielectric layer 11 includes aplurality of projection portions 11A located in positions correspondingto every two adjacent bus electrodes Xb, Yb.

[0214] The dielectric layer 11 may be formed by at first preparing anamount of low melting point glass paste and then forming the paste intoseveral layers of films each having a predetermined thickness, followedby laminating the films and a sintering treatment. The projectionportions 11A may be formed by screen-printing (with a predeterminedthickness) a similar low melting point glass paste on to the dielectriclayer 11, followed by a similar sintering treatment.

[0215] Then, a protection layer 12 consisting of MgO is formed on thedielectric layer 11.

[0216] Similarly, the plasma display panel has a rear glass substrate 13arranged in parallel with and space-apart from the front glass substrateI0. A plurality of column electrodes D are provided on the inner surfaceof the rear glass substrate 13. and arranged orthogonal to the rowelectrode pairs (X, Y), in positions corresponding to the T-shapedtransparent electrodes Xa, Ya.

[0217] The column electrodes D are formed by vapor-depositting an Alalloy (such as Al—Mn alloy) on the inner surface of the rear glasssubstrate 13, followed by a patterning treatment with the use of aphotolithographic method.

[0218] Further, a white color dielectric layer 14 is formed on the innersurface of the rear glass substrate 13 so as to cover up all the columnelectrodes D, and a plurality of mutually orthogonal partition walls 65a, 65 b are formed on the dielectric layer 14, thereby forming a desiredpartition wall assembly 65.

[0219] The white color dielectric layer 14 may be formed by applying aglass paste (in which a white pigment has been mixed) to the innersurface of the rear glass substrate 13 and the column electrodes D,followed by a drying treatment.

[0220] The longitudinal partition walls 65 a are arranged in the columndirection of the panel, while the lateral partition walls 65 b arearranged in the row direction of the panel corresponding to theprojection portions 11A of the dielectric layer 11.

[0221] By virtue of the partition wall assembly 65, an electricdischarge space formed between the front glass substrate 10 and the rearglass substrate 13 is divided into a plurality of smaller dischargespaces S (FIG. 22) each enclosing a pair of T-shaped transparentelectrodes Xa, Ya between a pair of row electrodes (X, Y).

[0222] The partition wall assembly 65 may be formed in the followingprocess. At first, a low melting point glass paste uniformly containingwhite color pigment is applied to the dielectric layer 14, followed by adrying treatment so as to form a white glass layer. Then, a ladder-likemask is employed to selectively cut the white glass layer with the useof a sand blast treatment, thereby forming a desired partition wallassembly 65 (including several ladder-like structures).

[0223] As shown in FIG. 25, a gap r is formed between each longitudinalpartition wall 65 a and the protection layer 12. On the other hand, asshown in FIG. 23, there is no any gap formed between the lateralpartition walls 65 b and the protection layer 12.

[0224] A fluorescent layer 16 is formed in a manner such that it coversthe side surfaces (facing the discharge spaces S) of the longitudinalpartition walls 65 a and the lateral partition walls 65 b, furthercovers the exposed portions (facing the discharge spaces S) of thedielectric layer 14.

[0225] However, the colors of the fluorescent layer 16 are so arrangedthat R, G, B are arranged repeatedly in the discharge spaces S in therow direction of the panel.

[0226] Then, a noble gas is sealed into the discharge spaces S.

[0227] In fact, as shown in FIGS. 22-24, each lateral partition wall 65b has been divided into two portions 65 b′, 65 b′ separated from eachother and an elongated slot SL is formed therebetween. Particularly,each elongated slot SL is located corresponding to a light absorbingstrap 60 formed between two mutually adjacent displaying lines L on theinner surface of the front glass substrate 10.

[0228] Namely, the partition assembly 65 is formed into a plurality ofladder-like structures each extending in the row direction of the panel.Thus, a plurality of ladder-like structures are in parallel with oneanother, with an elongated slot SL formed between every two mutuallyadjacent ladder-like structures.

[0229] However, the width of each elongated slot SL is set in a mannersuch that each of the divided portions 65 b′, 65 b′ of each lateralpartition wall 65 b has the same width as that of each longitudinalpartition wall 65 a.

[0230] In a plasma display panel constituted in the above manner, therow electrode pairs (X, Y) are used to form displaying Lines L for amatrix display, while the discharge spaces S formed by the ladder-likepartition wall assembly 65 are used to serve as discharge cells C.

[0231] The operation of the plasma display panel made according to thepresent embodiment may be performed in the same manner as in theabove-discussed prior art.

[0232] Namely, at first, an addressing operation is conducted so that anelectric discharge is effected selectively among the discharge cells Cbetween the row electrode pairs (X, Y) and the column electrodes D. As aresult, a plurality of lit-up cells (discharge cells C where wallcharges have been formed in the dielectric layer 11) and a plurality ofextinguished cells (discharge cells C where wall charges are not formedin the dielectric layer 11) are distributed on the panel correspondingto a picture to be displayed.

[0233] Subsequently, discharge sustaining pulses are simultaneouslyapplied to all the displaying lines L in a manner such that the rowelectrode pairs (X, Y) will alternatively receive the dischargesustaining pulses. In this manner, surface discharge phenomenon willoccur in lit-up cells once the discharge sustaining pulses are appliedthereto.

[0234] At this moment, since ultraviolet light will be generated due tothe surface discharge in the lit-up cells, the fluorescent layer 16 (R,C, B) will be excited to effect light emission, thereby displaying apicture on the plasma display panel.

[0235] In this way, since each lateral partition wall 65 b is dividedinto two portions 65 b′, 65 b′ separated from each other by an elongatedslot SL formed therebetween, and since the width of each elongated slotSL is set in a manner such that each of the divided portions 65 b′, 65b′ of each lateral-partition wall 65 b has the same width as that ofeach longitudinal partition wall 65 a, it is sure to prevent anytroubles possibly caused by an expansion of the partition wall assembly65 during a sintering treatment, therefore preventing warpage of thefront glass substrate 10 or the rear glass substrate 13 so as to preventdeformation of the discharge cells C.

[0236] In this way, all the portions on the inner surface of the frontglass substrate 10 except those facing the discharge spaces S arecovered up by the light absorbing straps 60, 61 and the black colorelectrically conductive layers Xb′, Yb′ (as in the first embodiment).Therefore, it is sure to prevent a reflection of an external lightcoming from outside through the front glass substrate 10, therebyimproving the contrast of a picture being displayed on the plasmadisplay panel.

[0237] Nevertheless, it is also allowed to provide only one sort of thetwo kinds of the light absorbing straps 60, 61, i.e., it is alsopossible to provide either the lateral straps 60 or the longitudinalstraps 61.

[0238] Further, on the inner surface of the front substrate 10, theremay be formed many pieces of different color filters (not shown)corresponding to different color portions (R, G, B) of the fluorescentlayer 16 (located in the discharge spaces S).

[0239] At this time, the two kinds of the light absorbing straps 60, 61may be located in positions corresponding to slots formed between thedifferent color filters facing the discharge spaces S.

[0240] Twelfth Embodiment

[0241] A twelfth embodiment of the present invention is illustrated inFIGS. 27-29.

[0242] As shown in FIGS. 27-29, a plasma display panel according to thetwelfth embodiment has a plurality of row electrodes (Xo, Yo) arrangedon the inner surface of the front glass substrate 10 in the same manneras in the above Eleventh embodiment.

[0243] Further, on the inner surface of the front glass substrate 10there are provided a plurality of black color light absorbing straps(light blocking strap) 70 corresponding to longitudinal partition walls65 a and lateral partition walls 65 b of a ladder-like partition wallassembly 65 and slots SL.

[0244] As shown in FIG. 28, elongated bus electrodes (Xob, Yob) of eachrow electrode pair (Xo, Yo) are each formed only of a main electricallyconductive layer, and are located under the black color light absorbingstraps 70.

[0245] Similar to the above eleventh embodiment, each lateral partitionwall 65 b has been divided into two portions 65 b′, 65′ separated fromeach other and an elongated slot SL is formed therebetween.

[0246] Particularly, each elongated slot SL is located corresponding toa light absorbing strap 70 formed between two mutually adjacentdisplaying lines L on the inner surface of the front glass substrate 10.

[0247] However, the width of each elongated slot SL is set in a mannersuch that each of the divided portions 65 b′, 65 b′ of each lateralpartition wall 65 b has the same with as that of each longitudinalpartition wall 65 a.

[0248] In this way, since each of the divided portions 65 b′, 65 b′ ofeach lateral partition wall 65 b has the same width as that of eachlongitudinal partition wall 65 a, it is sure to prevent any troublespossibly caused by an expansion of the partition wall assembly 65 duringa sintering treatment, therefore preventing warpage of the front glasssubstrate 10 or the rear glass substrate 13, so as to preventdeformation of the discharge cells.

[0249] Further, in this way, the inner surface of the front glasssubstrate 10 except those facing the discharge spaces S are covered upby the light absorbing straps 70. Therefore, it is sure to prevent areflection of an external light coming from outside through the frontglass substrate 10, thereby improving the contrast of a picture beingdisplayed on the plasma display panel.

[0250] Thirteenth Embodiment

[0251] A thirteenth embodiment of the present invention is illustratedin FIG. 30.

[0252] As shown in FIG. 30, a plasma display panel according to thethirteenth embodiment includes a plurality of displaying lines Li−1′,Li′, Li+1′. . . , along which there are disposed row electrodes inaccordance with an arrangement of (Yi−1′, Xi−1′), (Xi′, Yi′), (Yi+140 ,Xi+1′) . . . in the column direction of the panel.

[0253] In fact, T-shaped transparent electrodes (Xai−1′, Xai′) ofmutually adjacent row electrodes (Xi−1′, Xi′) are integrally connectedto each other at base portions thereof. Similarly, T-shaped transparentelectrodes (Yai′, Yai+1′) of mutually adjacent row electrodes (Y1′,Y+1′) are integrally connected to each other at base portions thereof.

[0254] Further, the T-shaped transparent electrodes (Xai−1′, Xai′) ofmutually adjacent row electrodes (Xi−1′, Xi′) are connected to a common(elongated) bus electrode Xbj , while the T-shaped transparentelectrodes (Yai′, Yai+i′) of mutually adjacent row electrodes (Y′, Y+l′)are connected to a common (elongated) bus electrode Ybj′.

[0255] Similar to the above eleventh and twelfth embodiments, eachlateral partition wall 65 b has been divided into two portions 65 b′, 65b′ separated from each other and an elongated slot SL is formedtherebetween.

[0256] Also, similar to the above eleventh and twelfth embodiments, thewidth of each elongated slot SL is set in a manner such that each of thedivided portions 65 b′, 65′ of each lateral partition wall 65 b has thesame width as that of each longitudinal partition wall 65 a.

[0257] In this way, since each of the divided portions 65 b′, 65 b′ ofeach lateral partition wall 65 b has the same width as that of eachlongitudinal partition wall 65 a, it is sure to prevent any troublespossibly caused by an expansion of the partition assembly 65 during asintering treatment, therefore preventing warpage of the front glasssubstrate 10 or the rear glass substrate 13, so as to preventdeformation of the discharge cells.

[0258] Further, since the T-shaped transparent electrodes (Xai−1′, Xai′)of mutually adjacent row electrodes (Xi−1′, Xi′) are allowed to use acommon (elongated) bus electrode Xbj′, and since the T-shapedtransparent electrodes (Yai′, Yai+1′) of mutually adjacent rowelectrodes (Y1′, Y+1′) are allowed to use a common (elongated) buselectrode Ybj′, the areas occupied by the elongated bus electrodes Xbi′and Ybi′ are allowed to be smaller than those occupied by the elongatedbus electrodes in the eleventh embodiment shown in FIGS. 22-26.

[0259] In this way, each lateral wall 65 b of the partition wallassembly 65 is allowed to be narrower in its width than that in theplasma display panel of the eleventh embodiment (FIGS. 22-26), thusensuring each discharge space S1′ to be larger than that in the eleventhembodiment, thereby making it possible to increase total surface area ofthe fluorescent layer within the discharge spaces S1′, thusdesirably-increasing the brightness of the plasma display panel.

[0260] Moreover, with the use of common (elongated) bus electrodes Xbj′,Ybj′ it is possible to reduce a discharge current during an electricdischarge of the plasma display panel.

[0261] Here, each of the (elongated) bus electrodes Xbj′, Ybj′ may beformed into a two-layer structure including a black color electricallyconductive layer and a main electrically conductive layer.Alternatively, each of the bus electrodes Xbj′, Ybi′ may be formed intoa one-layer structure, while black color light absorbing straps may beinterposed between the one-layer bus electrodes Xbj′, Ybi′ and the innersurface of the front glass substrate 10. In this way, it is sure toprevent a reflection of an external light coming from outside throughthe front glass substrate 10, thereby improving the contrast of apicture being displayed on the plasma display panel.

[0262] Fourteenth Embodiment

[0263] A fourteenth embodiment of the present invention is illustratedin FIG. 31.

[0264] As shown in FIG. 31, a plasma display panel according to thefourteenth embodiment includes a plurality of displaying lines Li, Li+1. . . , along which there are disposed row electrodes in accordance withan arrangement (Xi, Yi), (Yi+1, Xi+1) . . . in the column direction ofthe panel.

[0265] Further, T-shaped transparent electrodes (Xai, Xai+1) of mutuallyadjacent row electrodes (Xi, Xi+1) are connected to a common (elongated)bus electrode Xbj.

[0266] Similar to the above eleventh to thirteenth embodiments, each oflateral partition walls 75 b 1, 75 b 2 . . . of a partition wallassembly 75 is divided into two portions (75 b 1′, 75 b 1′), (75 b 2′,75 b 2′ separated from each other and elongated slots SL1, SL2 . . . areformed therebetween.

[0267] Also, similar to the above eleventh to thirteenth embodiments,the width of each of the elongated slots SL1, SL2 . . . is set in amanner such that each of the divided portions 75 b 1′, 75 b 2′ . . . ofthe lateral partition walls 75 b 1, 75 b 2 . . . has substantially thesame width as that of each longitudinal partition wall 75 a.

[0268] In this way, since the divided portions 75 b 1′, 75 b 2′ . . . ofthe lateral partition walls 75 b 1, 75 b 2 . . . of the partition wallassembly 75 have substantially the same width as that of eachlongitudinal partition wall 75 a, it is sure to prevent any troublespossibly caused by an expansion of the partition wall assembly 75 duringa sintering treatment, therefore preventing warpage of the front glasssubstrate 10 or the rear glass substrate 13 and a possible damage of thepartition wall assembly 75, thereby preventing a deformation of thedischarge cells.

[0269] Further, since mutually adjacent row electrodes (X1, Xi+1) areallowed to use common (elongated) bus electrodes Xbj, the area occupiedby the bus electrodes Xbj is allowed to be smaller than that occupied bythe bus electrodes in the eleventh embodiment shown in FIGS. 22-26.

[0270] In this way, lateral walls 75 b 1, 75 b 2 . . . of the partitionwall assembly 75 are allowed to be narrower in their width than those inthe plasma display panel of the eleventh embodiment (FIGS. 22-26), thusensuring each discharge space S1′ to be larger than that in the eleventhembodiment, thereby making it possible to increase total surface area ofthe fluorescent layer within the discharge spaces S1′, thus desirablyincreasing the brightness of the plasma display panel.

[0271] Moreover, with the use of each common (elongated) bus electrodeXbj, it is possible to reduce a discharge current during an electricdischarge of the plasma display panel.

[0272] Fifteenth Embodiment

[0273] A fifteenth embodiment of the present invention is illustrated inFIGS. 32-36.

[0274] Referring to FIGS. 32-36, a plasma display panel made accordingto the fifteenth embodiment has a front glass substrate 10 serving as adisplaying surface for the panel, a plurality of row electrode pairs(X,Y) parallelly disposed on the inner surface of the front glasssubstrate 10.

[0275] Each row electrode X includes a plurality of T-shaped transparentelectrodes Xa each consisting of a transparent-electrically conductivefilm made of ITO, and an elongated bus electrode Xb consisting of ametal film which is connected with one end of each T-shaped transparentelectrode Xa.

[0276] Similarly, each row electrode Y includes a plurality of T-shapedtransparent electrodes Ya each consisting of a transparent electricallyconductive film made of ITO, and an elongated bus electrode Ybconsisting of a metal film which is connected with one end of eachT-shaped transparent electrode Ya.

[0277] Further, two row electrodes (X, Y) forming a row electrode pairare arranged in parallel to each other, with a plurality of dischargegaps g formed between the T-shaped transparent electrodes Xa and theT-shaped transparent electrodes Ya, thereby forming one displaying lineL for the display panel (matrix display).

[0278] The T-shaped transparent electrodes Xa, Ya are formed on theinner surface of the front glass substrate 10 by vapor-depositting ITOthereon, followed by a patterning treatment with the use of aphotolithographic method.

[0279] On the other hand, each elongated bus electrode Xb includes ablack colour electrically conductive layer Xb′ (facing the front glasssubstrate 10) and a main electrically conductive layer Xb″ . Similarly,each elongated bus electrode Yb includes a black colour electricallyconductive layer Yb′ (facing the front glass substrate I0) and a mainelectrically conductive layer Yb″.

[0280] The elongated bus electrodes Xb, Yb are formed by at firstapplying a silver paste (in which a black pigment has been mixed) to theinner surface of the front glass substrate 10, followed by a dryingtreatment, thereby obtaining a dried black color paste layer. Further, asilver paste is applied to the dried black color paste layer, followedby a patterning treatment with the use of a photolithographic method,and further through a sintering treatment, thus forming the elongatedbus electrodes Xb, Yb on the inner surface of the front glass substrate10.

[0281] Further, the inner surface of the front glass substrate hasformed thereon a plurality of lateral light absorbing straps (lightblocking straps) 80 and a plurality of longitudinal light absorbingstraps (light blocking straps) 81. In detail, the lateral lightabsorbing straps 80 are so arranged that each of them is disposedbetween mutually adjacent elongated bus electrodes Yb, Xb of mutuallyadjacent row electrodes (X, Y). On the other hand, light absorbingstraps 81 are so formed that each of them is facing a longitudinalpartition wall 85 a of a t-like partition wall assembly 85.

[0282] Further, a dielectric layer 11′ is formed on the inner surface ofthe front glass substrate 10 in a manner such that it covers up all therow electrode pairs (X,Y).

[0283] The dielectric layer 11′ may be formed by at first preparing anamount of low melting point glass paste and then forming the paste intoseveral layers of films each having a predetermined thickness, followedby laminating the films and a sintering treatment.

[0284] Then, a protection layer 12′ consisting of MgO is formed on theexposed surface of the dielectric layer 11′.

[0285] On the other hand, the plasma display panel has a rear glasssubstrate 13 arranged in parallel with and space-apart from the frontglass substrate 110. A plurality of column electrodes D are provided onthe inner surface of the rear glass substrate 13, and arrangedorthogonal to the row electrode pairs (X, Y), in positions correspondingto the T-shaped transparent electrodes Xa, Ya.

[0286] The column electrodes D are formed by vapor-depositting an Alalloy (such as Al—Mn alloy) on the inner surface of the rear glasssubstrate 13, followed by a patterning treatment with the use of aphotolithographic method.

[0287] Further, a white color dielectric layer 14 is formed on the innersurface of the rear glass substrate 13 so as to cover up all the columnelectrodes D, a plurality of mutually orthogonal part it ion walls 85 a,85 b are formed on the dielectric layer 14.

[0288] The white color dielectric layer 14 may be formed by applying aglass paste (in which a white pigment has been mixed) to the innersurface of the rear glass substrate 13 and the column electrodes D,followed by a drying treatment.

[0289] The partition walls 85 a are longitudinal partitionwalls-arranged in the column direction of the panel corresponding to thecolumn electrodes D, while the partition walls 85 b are lateralpartition walls arranged in the row direction of the panel, therebyforming a partition wall assembly 85 in contact with the surface of theprotection layer 12′.

[0290] By virtue of the partition wall assembly 85, an electricdischarge space formed between the front glass substrate 10 and the rearglass substrate 13 is divided into a plurality of smaller dischargespaces S (FIG. 32) each enclosing a pair of T-shaped transparentelectrodes Xa, Ya between a pair of row electrodes (X, Y).

[0291] Then, as shown in FIG. 32, a plurality of slits S1 are formed onthe longitudinal partition walls 85 a so that every two adjacentdischarge spaces S are communicated with each other.

[0292] In addition, as shown in FIGS. 32-34, each lateral partition wall15 b has been divided into two portions 85 b′ 85 b′ separated from eachother and an elongated slot SL is formed therebetween. Particularly,each elongated slot SL is located corresponding to a light absorbingstrap 80 formed between two mutually adjacent displaying lines L on theinner surface of the front glass substrate 10.

[0293] However, the width of each elongated slot SL is set in a mannersuch that each of the divided portions 85 b′, 85 b′ of each lateralpartition wall 68 b has the same with as that of each longitudinalpartition wall 85 a.

[0294] The partition assembly 85 may be formed in the following process.At first, a low melting point glass paste uniformly containing a whitecolor pigment is applied to the dielectric layer 14, followed by adrying treatment. Then, a specifically shaped mask is employed toselectively cut the white glass layer with the use of a sand blasttreatment, thereby forming the desired partition wall assembly 85.

[0295] A fluorescent layer 16 is formed in a manner such that it coversthe side surfaces (facing the discharge spaces S) of the longitudinalpartition walls 85 a and the lateral partition walls 85 b, furthercovers the exposed portions (facing the discharge spaces S) of thedielectric layer 14.

[0296] However, the colors of the fluorescent layer 16 are so arrangedthat R, G, B are arranged repeatedly in the discharge spaces S in therow direction of the panel (as shown in FIG. 35).

[0297] Then, a noble gas is sealed into the discharge spaces S.

[0298] In a plasma display panel constituted in the above manner, therow electrode pairs (X,Y) are used to form displaying lines L for amatrix display, while the discharge spaces S formed by partition wallassembly 85 are used to serve as discharge cells C.

[0299] The operation of the plasma display panel made according to thepresent embodiment may be performed in the same manner as in theprevious embodiments.

[0300] Namely, at first, an addressing operation is conducted so that anelectric discharge is effected selectively among the discharge cells Cbetween the row electrode pairs (X, Y) and the column electrodes D. As aresult, a plurality of lit-up cells (discharge cells C where wallcharges have been formed in the dielectric layer 11′) and a plurality ofextinguished cells (discharge cells C where wall charges are not formedin the dielectric layer 11′) are distributed on the panel correspondingto a picture to be displayed.

[0301] Subsequently, discharge sustaining pulses are simultaneouslyapplied to all the displaying lines L in a manner such that the rowelectrode pairs (X, Y) will alternatively receive the dischargesustaining pulses. In this manner, surface discharge phenomenon willoccur in lit-up cells once the discharge sustaining pulses are appliedthereto.

[0302] At this moment, since ultraviolet light will be generated due tothe surface discharge in the lit-up cells, the fluorescent layer 16 (R,G, B) will be excited to effect light emission, thereby displaying apicture on the plasma display panel.

[0303] In use of the plasma display panel, although the upper surface ofthe partition wall assembly 85 is in tight contact with the innersurface of the protection layer 12′, a plurality of slits S1 are formedon the longitudinal partition walls 85 a so that every two adjacentdischarge spaces S are communicated with each other. In this way, thedischarging gas and priming particles sealed in one discharge space S isallowed to move to its adjacent discharge space S, thereby producing apriming effect enabling a kind of chain discharge (dischargingcontinuously from one cell to another), thus ensuring a stabilizeddischarge in the plasma display panel.

[0304] Further, since each lateral partition wall 85 b is divided intotwo portions 85 b′, 85 b′ separated from each other by an elongated slotSL formed therebetween, and since the width of each elongated slot SL isset in a manner such that each of the divided portions 85 b′, 85 b′ ofeach lateral partition wall 85 b has the same width as that of eachlongitudinal partition wall 85 a, it is sure to prevent any troublespossibly caused by an expansion of the partition wall assembly 85 duringa sintering treatment, therefore preventing warpage of the front glasssubstrate 10 or the rear glass substrate 13, so as to to preventdeformation of the discharge cells.

[0305] Sixteenth Embodiment

[0306] A sixteenth embodiment of the present invention is illustrated inFIG. 37.

[0307] Referring to FIG. 37, a plasma display panel made according tothe sixteenth embodiment is almost the same as that described in theabove fifteenth embodiment except that a plurality of slits s1′ areformed on lateral partition walls 95 b of a partition wall assembly 95in positions not facing the T-shaped transparent electrodes Xa, Ya, in amanner such that every two discharge spaces S mutually adjacent to eachother in the column direction of the panel are communicated with eachother.

[0308] In this way, since a plurality of slits s1′ are formed on lateralpartition walls 95 b of the partition wall assembly 95 in positions notfacing the T-shaped transparent electrodes Xa, Ya, a possible spreadingphenomenon of discharge may be prohibited by virtue of the lateralpartition walls 95 b of the partition wall assembly 95.

[0309] Seventeenth Embodiment

[0310] A seventeenth embodiment of the present invention is illustratedin FIG. 38.

[0311]FIG. 38 is a plane view schematically indicating how a pluralityof picture elements GA are formed by virtue of a plurality of dischargecells C including three kinds of colors R, G, B.

[0312] As shown in FIG. 38, a plurality of discharge cells C are formedby virtue of a ladder-like partition wall assembly 15A. DA is used torepresent column electrodes.

[0313] The discharge cells C are arranged in each displaying line L (rowdirection) in the order of R, G, B repeatedly, and in each column(column direction) there are arranged a plurality of discharge cellsbelonging to only one kind of color.

[0314] In fact, every three discharge cells C (R, G, B) arranged in adisplay line L will form one picture element GA. Thus, a plurality ofpicture elements GA are aligned in the column direct on.

[0315] In this way, since each of lateral partition walls 15Ab of thepartition assembly 15A is divided into two portions 15Ab′, 15Ab′, andsince each divided portion 15Ab′ has substantially the same widths asthat of each longitudinal partition wall 15Aa, it is sure to prevent anytroubles possibly caused by an expansion of the partition wall assembly15A during a sintering treatment, therefore preventing warpage of thefront glass substrate 10 or the rear glass substrate 13 and a possibledamage of the partition wall assembly 15A, thereby preventing adeformation of the discharge cells.

[0316] Eighteenth Embodiment

[0317] An eighteenth embodiment of the present invention is illustratedin FIG. 39.

[0318]FIG. 39 is also a plane view schematically indicating how aplurality of picture elements GB are formed by virtue of a plurality ofdischarge cells C including three kinds of colors R, G, B.

[0319] As shown in FIG. 39, a plurality of discharge cells C are formedby virtue of a ladder-like partition assembly 15B. DB is used torepresent column electrodes.

[0320] The discharge cells C are arranged in each displaying line L (rowdirection) in the order of R, G, B repeatedly, but with one displayingline L being deviated from its adjacent (in column direction) displayingline L by one discharge cell C in the row direction.

[0321] In fact, every three discharge cells C (R, G, B) arranged in adisplay line L will form one picture element GB. Thus, when viewed inthe column direction, one picture element GB is deviated (in the rowdirection) from its adjacent (in column direction) picture element GB byone discharge cell C.

[0322] In this way, since one picture element GB is deviated (in rowdirection) from its adjacent (in column direction) picture element GB byone discharge cell C, it is possible to improve the resolution of apicture being displayed on the panel.

[0323] Further, since each of lateral partition walls 15Bb of thepartition wall assembly 15B is divided into two portions 15Bb′, 15Bb′,and since each divided portion 15Bb′ has substantially the same width asthat of each longitudinal partition wall 15Ba, it is sure to prevent anytroubles possibly caused by an expansion of the partition wall assembly15B during a sintering treatment, therefore preventing warpage of thefront glass substrate 10 or the rear glass substrate 13 and a possibledamage of the partition wall assembly 15B, thereby preventing adeformation of the discharge cells.

[0324] Nineteenth Embodiment

[0325] A nineteenth embodiment of the present invention is illustratedin FIG. 40.

[0326]FIG. 40 is also a plane view schematically indicating how aplurality of picture elements GC are formed by virtue of a plurality ofdischarge cells C including three kinds of colors R, G, B.

[0327] As shown in FIG. 40, a plurality of discharge cells C are formedby virtue of a ladder-like partition assembly 15C. DC is used torepresent column electrodes.

[0328] In particular, when viewed in the column direction, two mutuallyadjacent (in column direction) discharge cells C are deviated from eachother by half width of one cell C in the row direction.

[0329] Accordingly, each of color portions R, G, B of one displayingline L is deviated from a corresponding color portion of an adjacentdisplaying line L by half width of one cell C in the row direction.

[0330] For this reason, the column electrodes DC are formed in a zigzagconfiguration as shown in FIG. 40, thereby permitting the formation ofthe above arrangement of discharge cells C shown in FIG. 40.

[0331] In this manner, since each picture element GC consists of threedischarge cells C (R, G, B) arranged in the row direction, each of colorportions R, G, B of one picture element on one displaying line L isdeviated (in the row direction) from a corresponding color portion of acorresponding picture element on an adjacent displaying line L by halfwidth of one cell C, it is allowed to further improve the resolution ofa picture being displayed on the panel.

[0332] Further, since each of lateral partition walls 15Cb of thepartition wall assembly 15C is divided into two portions 15Cb′, 15Cb′,and since each divided portion 15Cb′ has substantially the same width asthat of each longitudinal partition wall 15Ca, it is sure to prevent anytroubles possibly caused by an expansion of the partition wall assembly15C during a sintering treatment, therefore preventing warpage of thefront glass substrate 10 or the rear glass substrate 13 and a possibledamage of the partition wall assembly 15C, thereby preventing adeformation of the discharge cells.

[0333] Twentieth Embodiment

[0334] A twentieth embodiment of the present invention is illustrated inFIG. 41.

[0335]FIG. 41 is also a plane view schematically indicating howplurality of picture elements GD are formed by virtue of a plurality ofdischarge cells C including three kinds of colors R, G, B.

[0336] As shown in FIG. 41, a plurality of discharge cells C are formedby virtue of partition wall assembly 15D. DD is used to represent columnelectrodes.

[0337] In particular, when viewed in the column direction, two mutuallyadjacent (in column direction) discharge cells C are deviated from eachother by half width of one cell C in the row direction.

[0338] In more detail, each of color portions R, G, B of one displayingline L is deviated (in the row direction) from a corresponding colorportion of an adjacent displaying line L by 1.5 times the width of onecell C.

[0339] Accordingly, similar to the nineteenth embodiment, the columnelectrodes DD are formed in a zigzag configuration as shown in FIG. 41,thereby permitting the formation of the above arrangement of dischargecells C shown in FIG. 41.

[0340] In this manner, as shown in FIG. 41, each pitch element GD mayalso be formed by three discharge cells (R, G, B) which together form atriangular configuration bridging over two mutually adjacent displayinglines L, thereby further improving the resolution of a picture beingdisplayed on the panel.

[0341] Further, since each of lateral partition walls 15Db of to thepartition wall assembly 15D is divided into two portions 15Db′, 15Db′,and since each divided portion 15Db′ has substantially the same width asthat of each longitudinal partition wall 15Da, it is sure to prevent anytroubles possibly caused by an expansion of the partition wall assembly15D during a sintering treatment, therefore preventing warpage of thefront glass substrate 10 or the rear glass substrate 13 and a possibledamage of the partition wall assembly 15D, thereby preventing adeformation of the discharge cells.

[0342] First Additional Embodiment

[0343]FIG. 42 is a plane view indicating a plurality of partition wallassemblies suitable for use in any plasma display panel of theembodiments shown in FIGS. 22-41.

[0344] As shown in FIG. 42, each partition wall assembly 15A has aplurality of vertical partition walls 15Aa and two horizontal partitionwalls 15Ab, thereby forming a ladder-like configuration providing aplurality of discharge cells C.

[0345] In practice, a plurality of partition wall assemblies 15A arearranged in parallel to one another with a slot SL formed between everytwo mutually adjacent partition wall assemblies 15A, 15A. In this way,an entire discharge space formed between a front glass substrate 10 anda rear glass substrate 13 may be divided into a plurality of smallerdischarge spaces by virtue of several partition wall assemblies 15A.

[0346] Further, the leftmost and rightmost discharge cells C′ of eachpartition wall assembly 15A are set to be dummy cells. The cornerportions (on the outside of the dummy cells C′) of each partition wallassembly 15A are removed so as to form inclined surfaces 15Ac.

[0347] By removal of the corner portions (on the outside of the dummycells C′) of each partition wall assembly 15A, it is sure to remove anyundesired build-up of a material (for forming the partition wallassembly 15A) from these positions.

[0348] The reason for the removal of the build-up may be explained asfollows.

[0349] If any build-up of a material (for forming the partition-wallassembly 15A) are not avoided, when the front glass substrate 10 and therear glass substrate 13 are brought together to form a display panel,the two glass substrates will get in contact with the build-up portionsof the partition wall assembly 15 while leaving the other portionsthereof in a floating condition. Consequently, a vibration will happenon the substrates when the plasma display panel is being driven.Therefore, by removal of the corner portions (on the outside of thedummy cells C′) of each partition wall assembly 15A, it is sure toremove any undesired build-up of a material (for forming the partitionwall assembly 15A) from these positions, thereby ensuring that the twoglass substrates will be in a uniform contact with the partition wallassembly 15A.

[0350] 21th Embodiment

[0351] A 21th embodiment of the present invention is illustrated inFIGS. 43-46.

[0352] As shown in FIGS. 43-46, a plasma display panel according to the21th embodiment has a partition wall assembly 105 including a pluralityof longitudinal partition walls 105 a and a plurality of lateralpartition walls 105 b. By virtue of the partition wall assembly 105, adischarge space formed between the front glass substrate 10 and the rearglass substrate 13 is divided into a plurality of discharge cells C.

[0353] On the inner surface of the front glass substrate 10, there areformed a plurality of row electrodes X each including a plurality oftransparent electrodes Xa and an elongated bus electrode Xb, and aplurality of row electrodes Y each including a plurality of transparentelectrodes Ya and an elongated bus electrode Yb, thereby forming aplurality of row electrode pairs (X, Y).

[0354] Further a dielectric layer 11 is formed on the inner surface ofthe front glass substrate 10 in a manner such that the row electrodes(X, Y) are covered up by the dielectric layer 11. In particular, thedielectric layer 11 has a plurality of projection portions 11A locatedin positions corresponding to every two adjacent bus electrodes Xb, Yb.

[0355] Then, a protection layer 12 consisting of MgO is formed to coverthe dielectric layer 11.

[0356] On the other hand, the plasma display panel has a rear glasssubstrate 13 arranged in parallel with and space-apart from the frontglass substrate 10. A plurality of column electrodes D are provided onthe inner surface of the rear glass substrate 13, and arrangedorthogonal to the row electrode pairs (X, Y), in positions correspondingto the transparent electrodes Xa, Ya.

[0357] Further, a white color dielectric layer 14 is formed on the innersurface of the rear glass substrate 13 so as to cover up all the columnelectrodes D, and a plurality of ladder-like partition wall assemblies105 are formed on the dielectric layer 14, extending in the rowdirection of the plasma display panel.

[0358] Each ladder-like partition wall assembly 105 includes a pluralityof short partition walls 105 a (extending in the column direction of thepanel), and a pair of long partition walls 105 b (extending in the rowdirection of the panel) corresponding to the projection portions 11A ofthe dielectric layer 11, thereby forming a ladder-like partition wallassembly 105 (FIG. 43).

[0359] By virtue of the plurality of ladder-like partition wallassemblies 105, an electric discharge space formed between the frontglass substrate 10 and the rear glass substrate 13 is divided into aplurality of discharge cells C each enclosing a pair of transparentelectrodes Xa, Ya between a pair of row electrodes (X, Y).

[0360] In FIG. 43, Ca and Ca′ are used to represent dummy cells notenclosing row electrodes (X, Y). These dummy cells Ca and Ca′ are formedon the outer ends (right and left) of each ladder-like partition wallassembly 105 and are located on the outside of the displaying area ofthe plasma display panel.

[0361] Referring again to FIG. 43, outer portions of the two lateralpartition walls 105 b of each ladder-like partition wall assembly 105,located in the dummy cell Ca′ outwardly of the dummy cell Ca which ispositioned adjacent to a discharge cell C (located on the right side ofline m in the figure, i.e., within the displaying area of the plasmadisplay panel), are bent toward each other so as to form bent portions105 b′ which are connected with each other at a position between twoadjacent projection portions 11A of the dielectric layer 11.

[0362] In this way, a plurality of dummy cells Ca′ each having agenerally triangular shape are formed by virtue of the bent portions 105b′ of the lateral partition walls 105 b.

[0363] Although not shown in FIG. 43, the structure on the right side ofthe plasma display panel is just the same as that on the left sidethereof.

[0364] With the use of the above structure, it is allowed to ensure thateven if there is a possibility that undesired build-up β of a material(for forming the partition wall assembly) will occur (shown in FIG. 43)during a sintering treatment for the formation of the ladder-likepartition wall assembly 105 (made of a glass), such kind of build-up βcan only form in positions not facing the projection portions 11A of thedielectric layer 11.

[0365] In this way, as shown in FIGS. 45 and 46, since the build-up βcan only occur in slots s formed between the partition wall assembly 105and the dielectric layer 11, when the front glass substrate 10 and therear glass substrate 13 are brought together to form the plasma displaypanel, it can be made sure that the build-up β will not get in contactwith the projection portions 11A of the dielectric layer 1, therebyavoiding the formation of some unwanted slots between the lateralpartition walls 105 b of the partition wall assembly 105 and theprojection portions 11A of the dielectric layer 11.

[0366] Second Additional Embodiment

[0367] Although it has been described in the above first embodiment(FIGS. 1-5) that the partition wall assembly has a two-layer structureincluding a black color layer and a white color layer, it is alsopossible that such a partition wall assembly has a one-layer structureincluding only a white color layer. Further, the partition wall assemblymay also be formed into a light-transmissible structure formed by a lowmelting point glass not containing any pigment.

[0368] By forming the light-transmissible partition wall assembly, alight generated in each discharge cell is allowed to be randomlyreflected within the partition wall assembly so as to be widely spreadon to the front glass substrate. Therefore, it is possible to improve anapparent numerical aperture so as to increase the brightness of theplasma display panel.

[0369] Further, it is also possible that a black color layer (lightabsorbing layer) may be formed on the upper surface of thelight-transmissible partition wall assembly, thereby forming a two-layerstructure including a black color layer (light absorbing layer) and alight-transmissible layer (transparent layer).

[0370] While the presently preferred embodiments of this invention havebeen shown and described above, it is to be understood that thesedisclosures are for the purpose of illustration and that various changesand modifications may be made without departing from the scope of theinvention as set forth in the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A plasma display panel comprising: a frontsubstrate; a plurality of row electrode pairs provided on the innersurface of the front substrate, said row electrode pairs being arrangedin parallel with one another and extending in the row direction of thepanel, with each row electrode pair forming a displaying line; adielectric layer provided on the inner surface of the front substratefor coverring the row electrode pairs; a rear substrate arranged inparallel with and space-apart from the front substrate, forming adischarge space therebetween; a plurality of column electrodes providedon the inner surface of the rear substrate, said column electrodes beingarranged in parallel with one another and extending in the columndirection of the panel, in a manner such that at each intersection of arow electrode pair with a column electrode there is formed a lightemission unit; a partition wall assembly provided between the frontsubstrate and the rear substrate, said partition wall assembly includinga plurality of longitudinal partition walls and a plurality of lateralpartition walls, thereby dividing the discharge space into a pluralityof discharge cells; wherein the dielectric layer has a plurality ofprojection portions located corresponding to and protruding toward thelateral partition walls of the partition wall assembly, in a manner suchthat there would be no slots formed between the dielectric layer and thelateral partition walls.
 2. The plasma display panel according to claim1, wherein a slot is formed between the dielectric layer and eachlongitudinal partition wall of the partition wall assembly.
 3. Theplasma display panel according to claim 1, wherein a fluorescent layeris formed to cover side faces of the longitudinal partition walls andthe lateral partition walls and exposed portions of another dielectriclayer formed on the inner surface of the rear substrate.
 4. The plasmadisplay panel according to claim 1, wherein the part it ion wallassembly has a two-layer structure, one of which is a light absorbinglayer located closer to the front substrate, and the other of which is alight reflecting layer located closer to the rear substrate.
 5. Theplasma display panel according to claim 1, wherein each row electrodepair has two row electrodes each having a light absorbing layer facingthe front substrate.
 6. The plasma display panel according to claim 5,wherein each of the two row electrodes forming one electrode pair has aplurality of protruding portions, forming a plurality of discharge gapsbetween mutually facing protruding portions of the two row electrodes.7. The plasma display panel according to claim 1, wherein a mutualpositional relationship between two row electrodes of a row electrodepair is alternatively changed from one displaying line to another, twomutually adjacent row electrodes of every two mutually adjacentdisplaying lines are connected to an identical common electrode mainbody.
 8. The plasma display panel according to claim 6, whereinprotruding portions of two mutually adjacent row electrodes of every twomutually adjacent displaying lines are connected with each other.
 9. Theplasma display panel according to claim 6, wherein there are formed aplurality of lateral light absorbing straps on the inner surf ace of thefront substrate, with each lateral light absorbing s trap beingpositioned between two mutually adjacent row electrodes of every twomutually adjacent displaying lines.
 10. The plasma display panelaccording to claim 1, wherein there are formed a plurality oflongitudinal light absorbing straps on the inner surface of the frontsubstrate, with each longitudinal light absorbing strap being positionedcorresponding to one longitudinal partition wall.
 11. The plasma displaypanel according to claim 1, wherein a light absorbing layer is formed onthe inner surface of the front substrate layer, said light absorbinglayer having the same pattern corresponding to the lateral andlongitudinal partition walls of the partition wall assembly.
 12. Theplasma display panel according to claim 1, wherein protruding portionsof two row electrodes forming one displaying line have mutually facinghead portions which are inclined with respect to the row direction ofthe panel.
 13. The plasma display panel according to claim 1, whereineach displaying line includes a plurality of discharge cells repeatedlyarranged in the order of R, G, B, each column includes a plurality ofsame color discharge cells, with every three discharge cells (R, G, B)arranged in a display line forming one picture element.
 14. The plasmadisplay panel according to claim 1, wherein each displaying lineincludes a plurality of discharge cells repeatedly arranged in the orderof R, G, B, one displaying line being deviated in the row direction fromits adjacent displaying line by one discharge cell, with every threedischarge cells (R, G, B) arranged in a display line forming one pictureelement.
 15. The plasma display panel according to claim 1, wherein eachdisplaying line includes a plurality of discharge cells repeatedlyarranged in the order of R, G, B, one displaying line being deviated inthe row direction from its adjacent displaying line by half width of onedischarge cell, with every three discharge cells (R, G, B) arranged in adisplay line forming one picture element.
 16. The plasma display panelaccording to claim 1, wherein each displaying line includes a pluralityof discharge cells repeatedly arranged in the order of R, G, B, onedisplaying line being deviated in the row direction from its adjacentdisplaying line by 1.5 times the width of one discharge cell, in amanner such that each pitch element may also be formed by threedischarge cells (R, G, B) which together form a triangular configurationbridging over two mutually adjacent displaying lines.
 17. The plasmadisplay panel according to claim 1, wherein each lateral partition wallof the part it ion wall assembly is divided into two portions by anelongated slot extending in the row direction of the panel.
 18. Theplasma display panel according to claim 17, wherein each divided portionof each lateral partition wall has substantially the same width as thatof each longitudinal partition wall of the partition wall assembly. 19.The plasma display panel according to claim 17, wherein a plurality oflight absorbing straps are formed on the inner surface of the frontsubstrate, in positions corresponding to the elongated slots.
 20. Theplasma display panel according to claim 17, wherein a plurality of lightabsorbing straps are formed on the inner surface of the front substrate,in positions corresponding to the longitudinal partition walls of thepartition wall assembly.
 21. The plasma display panel according to claim17, wherein at least the longitudinal partition walls of the partitionwall assembly have a two-layer structure, one of which is alightabsorbing layer facing toward the front substrate, and the other ofwhich is a light reflecting layer facing toward the rear substrate. 22.The plasma display panel according to claim 1, wherein each of two rowelectrodes of a row electrode pair includes an elongated main bodyportion extending in the row direction of the panel and a plurality ofprotruding portions extending in the column direction of the panel, sothat a plurality of discharge gaps are formed between mutually facingprotruding portions of two elongated main body portions, wherein eachelongated main body portion is made by a metal film; wherein eachprotruding portion is formed by a transparent electrically conductivefilm, with its base end connected to an elongated main body portion. 23.The plasma display panel according to claim 22, wherein a lightabsorbing layer is formed on each elongated main body portion so thatsaid light absorbing layer is interposed between the inner surface ofthe front substrate and the elongated main body portion.
 24. The plasmadisplay panel according to claim 22, wherein one elongated main bodyportion is shared by two mutually adjacent row electrodes of twomutually adjacent displaying lines.
 25. The plasma display panelaccording to claim 17, wherein the outermost corner portions of eachlateral partition wall are removed so as to form inclined surfacesthereon.
 26. The plasma display panel according to claim I or 17,wherein outer end portions of partition wall assembly are formed inpositions not facing the projection portions of the dielectric layer.27. The plasma display panel according to claim 26, wherein outer endportions of each pair of lateral partition walls are combined with eachother in positions not facing the projection portions of the dielectriclayer.
 28. The plasma display panel according to claim 1, wherein thepartition wall assembly is made of a light transmissible material.
 29. Aplasma display panel comprising: a front substrate; a plurality of rowelectrode pairs provided on the inner surface of the front substrate,said row electrode pairs being arranged in parallel with one another andextending in the row direction of the panel, with each row electrodepair forming a displaying line; a dielectric layer provided on the innersurface of the front substrate for coverring the row electrode pairs; arear substrate arranged in parallel with and space apart from the frontsubstrate, forming a discharge space therebetween;